Leo Rovert FENDLEY
Service No. 4078, Sergeant, 1st Machine Gun Battalion
The Battle of Aubers
During savage fighting on the Western Front on 2 July 1917, Fendley was awarded the Military Medal for bravery. The citation promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No.189 of 8 November 1917 reads:”
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.”
When his officer and sergeant had become casualties he took command of his section, and brought his guns into action to great advantage under heavy fire. When both his guns were buried by a shell he dug them out at great personal risk, and then brought two captured machine guns into action. He displayed great initiative and courage, and set a fine example to his men.
On 7 January 1918 Leo was promoted to Corporal, then to Sergeant on 11 June that year, when he was transferred to the 1st Machine Gun Battalion.
While Sergeant Fendley had a distinguished military career, he also enjoyed several periods of leave in England and one in Paris. The only blot on his record occurred on 30 April 1919, when he was severely reprimanded for allowing two prisoners in detention to escape while he was in command of the main guard room.
Leo Fendley MM, DCM left England for Australia on the Soudan in May 1919. He was residing in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton in 1924.